Teaching of tension force: a massive rope in equilibrium

A massive rope in equilibrium, with fixed extremes, takes a particular shape as a consequence of both, the weight and tension on each small rope segment. An analysis of forces acting on each rope infinitesimal section under static equilibrium conditions, results in a differential equation with a solution that provides the general shape of the rope and from which, the tension on each point of the rope is obtained. From this theoretical treatment a set of three rules are proposed. They allow to create and to solve a variety of theoretical and experimental problems dealing with tension force applied to massive ropes under static equilibrium conditions. The teaching experience with first-year engineering students shows that they deduced the rules and solve different problems. Also, it provides to the teacher possibilities to teach tension force in massive rope at basic physics level. The first approaching to test the didactic-proposal was developed into collaborative learning framework. However, it can be configure to suit pedagogical needs.